Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 37
Kṛṣṇa Slays Kuvalayāpīḍa and Enters Kaṁsa’s Wrestling Arena
प्रजा भोजपतेरस्य वयं चापि वनेचरा: । करवाम प्रियं नित्यं तन्न: परमनुग्रह: ॥ ३७ ॥
prajā bhoja-pater asya vayaṁ cāpi vane-carāḥ karavāma priyaṁ nityaṁ tan naḥ param anugrahaḥ
[Lord Kṛṣṇa said:] Although forest-dwellers, We are also subjects of the Bhoja king. We must gratify his desires, for such behavior will confer upon Us the greatest benefit.
FAQs
This verse shows people identifying themselves as subjects and dependents of Kaṁsa, claiming that pleasing him is their ‘greatest favor’—revealing how fear and obligation can distort one’s sense of dharma.
In the Mathurā arena narrative, they are aligned with Kaṁsa’s regime; as subjects and forest-dwellers dependent on the ruler, they justify their actions as loyal service to the Bhoja king.
It cautions against confusing compliance with goodness: one should examine whether ‘pleasing authority’ aligns with conscience and dharma, rather than letting fear or dependence define right action.